EFECTIVE LOBBYING

The average citizen may not have the skills or the experience to feel comfortable walking into a legislative office and making their voice heard. This is why we have devoted this page to you, John Q. Public, to motivate you and give you the tools you need to fully realize your true potential as a politically active American citizen.

Your Audience.

First you should know something a little about your audience. When we say audience we mean your legislator and their staff. The very first thing you should know is that they have about a thousand other things to worry about and they may not know as much about the situation as you. This is especially true of an elected official. He or she simply may not care, have time, or have the means for dealing with you issue. Your job is to change this! Remember that even though a representative may not have time to meet with you, their staff will! (Often we have found that the staff/aide will say,"I don't know how the Senator/Representative feels about this but I want you to know that on a personal level I am with you on this." ) Don't feel brushed aside just because you weren't able to talk to the big boss.

How to prepare

Setting up a meeting will give you undivided attention for a short period of about 10-15 minutes with the elected official and their aide. This is as much as you my get so being prepared is very important. If you do not get a meeting that is ok too. Most offices have an open door policy (We mean figuratively. Sometimes they are shut. Still feel free to try the knob and walk right in). where anyone can walk right in. Before you step foot in that office, do the following:

1. Know what you are going to say and how your going to say it. If you are in a group take turns so that everyone gets a chance to talk.

2. Bring along some information that the office can use to find out more about your topic after the meeting. Include your contact information!

3. Remember that even though you technically put these people in office, they are people too and they will be more willing to meet your demands if you kill them with kindness and concern.

4. You WILL be nervous on your first time. In general it's best to be real with people and let them know you are new at this. Usually this is better than pretending to be a pro and then feeling awkward when you mess up or stumble.

During the meeting.

1. Introduce yourself and tell them where you are from and why you are there to speak with them.

2. Bring forward some key facts that justify or support your concerns. (Facts for this can be found throughout our website!)

3. Give the Legislator some specific actions to take. Example: "I want you to co-sponsor and vote to pass the Harsdorf/Kessler Sudan Divestment Legislation"

4. Give them your contact information so they can fill you in on any progress they have made as well as some other sources of information.

5. Tell them you will follow up with them on a certain date (and actually do follow up). Thank them for their time.

After the meeting.

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW UP!

GET OTHERS TO COME IN AND LOBBY!

Write on your resume: "I am a political activist for human rights"